This is Kiera (so beautiful right?) and I had the privilege of interviewing her for this week’s post! Kiera is passionate, driven, kind and has AMAZING style! I asked her five questions about what fashion means to her and I’m so excited for you all to get a glimpse of how wonderful she is. 

What does fashion mean to you?

Kiera views fashion as more than trendy clothes and instagram pictures, although we can all agree that those are always fun. She views it as a form of self-expression and the way that looks is different for each person. Which  is a beautiful thing. “It allows me to show my personality without having to say words,” says Kiera. It’s no secret that Kiera’s fierce and bold personality shines through her fashion. She says, “It is empowering and reminds me that I have to love myself before I can love others.” What a powerful and true message, such a wonderful representation of what fashion truly means to Kiera. 

How did you get into fashion?

Kiera has loved fashion ever since she was a little girl. She loved watching movies and shows that showcased beautiful clothes, like America’s Next Top Model. “I became obsessed,” says Kiera. She grew up sketching clothing designs for her barbies before she was even able to pick out her own clothes. She received a sewing machine and that changed the game. She was able to explore her passion and creativity in a hands on way.  Kiera says, “I was given an outlet that let me create clothing that was just for me, some ideas were good, others weren’t great.” This outlet only fueled her love for fashion and she hasn’t stopped loving it since. 

Who are some of your style icons?

Kiera pulls inspiration from many different places and her style icons come from all different styles. She loves the “timeless” and “classic” look of old Hollywood star, Audrey Hepburn, as well as modern icons such as Kim Kardashian. Talking about Kim K she says, “I know she is a controversial person but it is true, the amount of confidence and creativity that she has in her style is something to be admired.” She also expressed how important it was for her to have women of color to look up to when she was growing up. That being said, Kiera  greatly admired Tyra Banks and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as fashion icons as well as advocates. She says, “they both do more than just have amazing fashion, they do a lot to advocate and speak about the things they care about, that is something to aspire to do.” Using the audience you have to speak up about what you are passionate about is a beautiful and inspiring use of that platform. 

What is your favorite current trend?

Kiera says, “my aesthetic is all over the place, but it fits me perfectly.” She said her favorite trend at the moment, if she had to pick, would be matching sets. “The amount of matching sets in my closet is out of control,” she says. Matching sets allow you to take a look and make it your own. Kiera loves that the pattern/color is cohesive throughout the whole outfit and you can make that outfit unique to your personal style. She likes to style her matching sets by adding jewelry, sunglasses, hats and different shoes. It’s like a blank canvas and you get to make it your own. “It takes my creativity to a new level.”

How does fashion allow you to express who you are?

Kiera dove deeper into how fashion empowers her and how growing up she fell into comparison. She expresses that comparison is difficult for all females but it is extremely difficult for minority women. “Growing up as an African American woman I wanted to do everything in my power to fit in with the minority white culture, rejecting the beauty of my own race,” says Kiera. She has been able to rediscover her self-confidence and embraces the beauty of her skin and hair. She says that her style is just an added bonus to her self-confidence. What a beautiful thing. Embracing and loving yourself for exactly who you are is so important and special. She  says, “I am proud to be an African American woman in society and I will continue to encourage self love and empowerment.”

 I am personally so proud and honored to know such an empowering and strong woman and am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to share  how fashion enables Kiera to express and embrace who she is with you all. My hope is that you can take inspiration from this interview and learn to embrace all that you are. 

“There is no force greater than a woman determined to rise.” –W.E.B Dubois

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